Psalm 71:1-3,12-14
In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and
my fortress.
O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!
Let my accusers be put to shame and consumed; let those who seek to hurt me
be covered with scorn and disgrace.
But I will hope continually, and will praise you yet more and more.

Reflection:
As I read Psalm 71 I thought of the times in my life God has served as my fortress and refuge. I have taken refuge in God through prayer at times when I have felt lost; when mourning the loss of family or friends I have taken refuge in prayer with God serving as a rock on which I can rely knowing that He has saved a place for them in his Kingdom. In times of setbacks in my life, the loss of a job or estrangement from friends I have taken refuge in prayer in the knowledge that God will protect me and open other opportunities or provide chances for reconciliation.

God has helped me overcome the anxiety brought about by this pandemic with his church serving as one unchanging, constant refuge. When everything else in our lives was uncertain God continued to serve as a centering rock, supporting me with his assurance of unconditional love and hope.

Prayer:
God, thank you for being my refuge and rock in times of loss, despair and anxiety through your faithful love and hope. Amen.

– Dave Heilman